Meaning
认出 means to recognize or identify someone or something, typically after some effort or despite difficulty. It combines 认 (to recognize) with 出 (out), suggesting the act of mentally 'bringing out' or identifying what you see. This word is commonly used when you spot a familiar person in a crowd, identify an object despite changes, or realize who someone is.
Usage
认出 is used in everyday speech when you successfully identify someone or something, often after initial uncertainty. It frequently appears with phrases like '认出来' (adding 来 for completed action) or in negative constructions like '认不出' (unable to recognize). Common in contexts involving changed appearances, disguises, old photos, or crowded places.
Examples
- 01他变化太大了，我差点儿没认出他来。, .He's changed so much that I almost didn't recognize him.
- 02虽然她戴着墨镜，我还是一眼就认出她了。, .Even though she was wearing sunglasses, I recognized her at a glance.
Characters
Common collocations
- 认出来to recognize (completed action)
- 认不出unable to recognize
- 一眼认出to recognize at a glance
- 很难认出hard to recognize
Antonyms
Origin
The combination of 认 (recognize/know) and 出 (out/emerge) creates the meaning of 'bringing recognition out' or successfully identifying something. The directional complement 出 emphasizes the result of the recognition process.